South Korea is projected to enter a super-aged society (with one out of five citizens aged 65 or older) by 2025, as it has the fastest aging rate among countries. Consequently, there is an increasing need for awareness not only of dementia but also of mild cognitive impairment. According to the National Health Insurance Service, the number of mild cognitive impairment patients in South Korea has increased more than eightfold over the past decade, from 35,471 in 2011 to 299,470 in 2021.

Mild cognitive impairment is characterized by noticeable cognitive decline compared to age-matched peers with similar education levels, significantly increasing the risk of progressing to dementia. However, it is often mistaken for simple age-related forgetfulness, and despite the perceived severity, it is often left unmanaged and neglected.

In a survey conducted by Korea Research, targeting 1,000 Korean adults aged 25 and above who experienced memory and cognitive decline, 26% of respondents felt that their symptoms had worsened recently. However, among these individuals, 80% responded that they were not undergoing any management and were leaving their symptoms unattended.

Fortunately, experts emphasize that in the mild cognitive impairment stage, perceptual, reasoning, and daily life abilities are preserved, allowing for the prevention of dementia through active management. Typically, treatments such as pharmacotherapy with cognitive enhancers and cognitive rehabilitation training are implemented, with progress monitored according to the individual's condition.

Supporting lifestyle management is also crucial for brain health. It is advisable to exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet while avoiding overeating, ensure intake of essential nutrients, and engage in hobbies to stimulate brain activity continuously.

Consumption of health-functional foods that aid in maintaining and improving memory and cognitive function can also be considered. Particularly noteworthy is phosphatidylserine, which has recently gained attention as a brain-health functional ingredient recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA).

Phosphatidylserine is a component abundant in nerve cell membranes, which are the contact points where brain cells exchange signals. It is known to promote the synthesis and secretion of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, thereby maintaining the normal signaling of nerve cells. It has also been shown to inhibit the accumulation of beta-amyloid, which is implicated as a causative substance in dementia.

However, as aging progresses, the levels of phosphatidylserine decrease, leading to a slowdown in signaling mechanisms and a decline in memory and cognitive function. Supplementing with phosphatidylserine during this time has been reported to restore signaling mechanisms, normalize brain cell function, and improve memory and mental abilities. Recent clinical trials targeting dementia patients with an average age of 60.5 years found that daily administration of 300mg of phosphatidylserine for 12 weeks extended memory by 13.9 years, learning ability by 11.6 years, cognitive ability related to people seen the previous day by 7.4 years, and digit memory ability by 3.9 years.

At the recent Symposium on the Socio-Economic Cost-Saving Effects of Health Functional Foods, organized by the Health Functional Food Future Forum, the socio-economic cost-saving effects of phosphatidylserine intake on mild cognitive impairment were highlighted. According to the presentation, the socio-economic cost of mild cognitive impairment was estimated to be approximately 5 trillion won as of 2021, with each person aged 60 or older with mild cognitive impairment requiring an estimated 17.9 million won. However, it was estimated that phosphatidylserine intake could save approximately 40.63 billion won in socio-economic costs associated with mild cognitive impairment.

Ildong Pharma recently introduced 'Highmun Brain PS,' which contains phosphatidylserine and Ginkgo biloba extract, which are known to aid in memory enhancement and blood circulation improvement.

Amidst this trend, healthy functional foods containing phosphatidylserine as the main ingredient have been diversely launched, and recently, there has been a movement among companies to differentiate their products.

Ildong Pharma, for example, strengthened its line of elderly health management products by launching 'Highmun Brain PS,' which contains phosphatidylserine as the main ingredient. This product leveraged the popularity of its protein food, 'Highmun.'

According to Ildong Pharma, Highmun Brain PS is a product that combines seven functional ingredients recognized by the Korea Food and Drug Administration, including Ginkgo biloba extract, acknowledged for its memory enhancement and blood circulation improvement properties, and zinc, essential for normal immune function, in addition to phosphatidylserine. Furthermore, it contains ten supplementary ingredients, such as powdered skim milk, inositol, and concentrated red ginseng extract. Notably, the phosphatidylserine used in this product is produced by Nutraceuticals, a US-based cognitive lipid specialist with a 30-year tradition, using a non-radiation method, ensuring its safety and reliability."

An official from Ildong Pharma stated, 'By taking just two capsules a day, you can benefit from all seven functional ingredients,' and emphasized, 'Especially considering middle-aged and older individuals with weaker digestion, we use 100% vegetable soft capsules, which also pose no digestive burden, as an advantage.

Reported by InSung Jang Translated by Jini Jung 다른기사 보기